Continuing Education
Many NOLS Wilderness Medicine courses count toward the credentials medical professionals already hold. Earn EMS continuing education units, AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, and hours toward a Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine, at no additional cost.
Wilderness medicine training builds skills you can use far from the road, and for many practitioners it also counts toward the credentials you already carry.
Which credits apply depends on your certification and the course you take. Use the sections below to see what your course qualifies for and how to claim it.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
Earn Continuing Education Units
NOLS holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE)(opens in new tab) to provide CEUs. This service is complimentary to students. On the first day of your course, complete the CEU roster with your EMT certification number, jurisdiction, and expiration date so your hours can be reported.
Please ensure that CAPCE(opens in new tab) CEUs will be accepted by your State EMS organization(opens in new tab).
Download this document(opens in new tab) for helpful hints on logging your CEUs in the NREMT system.
CAPCE was established to develop and implement policies to standardize EMS continuing education activities. The cosponsoring organizations of CAPCE are the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians, National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Directors, National Council of State Emergency Medical Services Training Coordinators, and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, and National Association of EMS Educators.
| Course | Medical | Assessment | Trauma | Environmental | Search & Rescue | Total | CEU Outline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilderness First Responder (WFR) | 22 | 8 | 23 | 10 | 7 | 70 | WFR Outline(opens in new tab) |
| Hybrid WFR | 20 | 8 | 22 | 9 | 3 | 62 | HWFR Outline(opens in new tab) |
| Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) | 9 | 4 | 13 | 6 | N/A | 32 | HWFR Outline(opens in new tab) |
| WFR Recertification | 4.5 | 2.5 | 8.5 | 2.5 | N/A | 18 | WFRR Outline(opens in new tab) |
| Wilderness Medicine for the Professional Practitioner (WMPP) | 2.75 | 2.5 | 7.75 | 3 | N/A | 16 | WMPP Outline(opens in new tab) |
| Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals (WUMP) | 11 | 5 | 19 | 7 | 6 | 48 | WUMP Outline(opens in new tab) |
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) does not carry CAPCE CEU hours.
Physicians and Physician Assistants
Earn Continuing Medical Education Units
Continuing medical education is offered in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)(opens in new tab) through joint providership of the Wilderness Medical Society(opens in new tab) and NOLS Wilderness Medicine. The Wilderness Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. and NOLS Wilderness Medicine. The Wilderness Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.This service is provided at no cost to participants.
All education content presented in this activity has been reviewed and validated as appropriate in keeping with sound scientific principles.
- Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals (WUMP): The Wilderness Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 45.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Each physician should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- Wilderness Medicine for the Professional Practitioner (WMPP): The Wilderness Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 15.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Each physician should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The American Academy of Physician Assistants(opens in new tab) accepts Category 1 CME approval from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Other healthcare professionals should check with their governing entity to determine the usefulness of AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine
Earn Credit Hours
The following courses have been approved for Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM(opens in new tab)) credits through the Wilderness Medical Society(opens in new tab). Actual credits awarded depend on personal credit needs and history.
After you receive your certification card, claim your FAWM credits by following the instructions on the Wilderness Medical Society webpage.
American Camp Association
Through NOLS Risk Services, participants can earn up to 16 hours of continuing education credit through the American Camp Association (ACA) for Risk Management Training or the Wilderness Risk Management Conference. To learn more, contact NOLS Risk Services at 307-335-2222. In addition, WFA, WFAC, WAFA, and WFR courses are recognized by the American Camp Association to meet specific ACA standards that require certifications.
Boy Scouts of America
NOLS Wilderness Medicine courses fulfill the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid training requirements.
Keep exploring
Wilderness Medicine
Courses overview
Compare WFA, WAFA, WFR, WEMT, and professional courses.
Planning
Plan your course
Prerequisites, what to expect, and how to prepare.
For Professionals
Medical professionals
Upgrade paths for EMTs, nurses, PAs, and physicians.
Find a Wilderness Medicine course
Choose the course that fits your certification and your goals, and earn credit while you build backcountry skills.
